Ringling College of Art and Design: 64.7% Acceptance Rate

64.7%Acceptance

$55,480Tuition

1,719Students

71%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,325Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling has trained some of animation's biggest names, including Disney legends Glen Keane and Mark Henn, plus directors of Frozen and Zootopia. The college enrolls 1,719 students in Sarasota and has built a powerhouse reputation in digital arts and animation. Students work in small classes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The school attracts creative talent from across the country, with only 31% of students coming from Florida. The financial picture requires serious consideration. Students pay an average net price of $55,390 annually, with total costs reaching $76,030 including room and board. Graduates earn a median of $43,325 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $27,000. Monthly loan payments average $286. The investment may pay off for those landing jobs at major studios, but the high costs demand careful planning. Women make up 74% of the student body, creating a female-dominated environment. The 84% retention rate suggests students generally find what they're looking for here. An 88% employment rate indicates strong job placement, though the specialized nature means career paths tend to cluster in creative industries.

Academics & Faculty

Ringling has built a reputation as one of the nation's top animation schools, with graduates like Glen Keane and the directors of Frozen and Zootopia leading major studio projects. The college specializes in art and design programs that prepare students for careers in entertainment, advertising, and digital media. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with industry professionals who serve as instructors. The 73.68% four-year graduation rate reflects the intensive, project-based curriculum that demands full commitment. Computer animation and game art programs consistently rank among the best nationally. Students spend most of their time in studios and labs rather than traditional lecture halls, creating portfolio work that directly translates to industry employment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 73.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 70.8%
Retention Rate: 84.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,325

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Graphic Communications.	Bachelor	$48,725
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$26,121
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management.	Bachelor	$20,140
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.	Bachelor	$19,592
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$14,627

View all 6 programs →

Campus Life

Students wake up to year-round sunshine in Sarasota, where winter coats gather dust and sunscreen is essential. With housing capacity for 1,280 students and total enrollment of 1,719, most students live on campus in a tight-knit creative community. The small city setting puts you an hour from Tampa's urban scene while keeping you close to beaches and cultural attractions that inspire your art.

Women make up 74% of the student body, creating a collaborative atmosphere in studios that stay open late into the night. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work personally and push your creative boundaries. Weekends blend social time with portfolio building, as students often work on passion projects in state-of-the-art animation labs and digital studios. The semester system allows deep dives into intensive creative work. With 69% of students coming from out of state, dorms buzz with diverse artistic perspectives. Campus traditions center around student film screenings and art exhibitions that showcase the talent that has produced Disney animators and Academy Award-winning directors.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,280 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1931

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 52°–72°F
July Avg: 75°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Art students travel from across the country to study at this Sarasota campus, with nearly 70% coming from out of state. The school draws aspiring animators and digital artists who dream of working for Disney or Pixar. Women make up three-quarters of the student body, reflecting the creative industries' growing female workforce. The 1,719 students represent a tight-knit community where everyone shares a passion for visual storytelling. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the school attracts talent regardless of economic background. These future animators and designers form lasting professional networks.

Men: 25.8%
Women: 74.2%
White: 44.3%
Black: 3.0%
Hispanic: 15.1%
Asian: 9.5%
In-State Students: 30.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 21.1%

Location

Ringling College sits in Sarasota, Florida, about 50 miles south of Tampa. The Gulf Coast city blends arts culture with beach living along Florida's western shore. Sarasota hosts numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural festivals that complement the college's creative focus. The area draws retirees and artists, creating an environment where students regularly interact with working professionals in their fields. Winter temperatures average in the 70s, making outdoor work and year-round filming possible for students. The city's population of 58,000 grows during tourist season. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Ringling College of Art and Design with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sarasota, Florida 34234-5895

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,325
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,698
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 65.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ringling College of Art and Design?

Ringling College of Art and Design accepts 64.70% of applicants. This selective art school attracts students passionate about animation and digital arts. The college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio to provide intensive creative mentorship.

How much does Ringling College of Art and Design cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Ringling is $55,390, with total attendance costs reaching $76,030. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.

What are the strongest programs at Ringling College of Art and Design?

Ringling is well-known for animation and digital arts, producing Disney animators like Glen Keane and directors like Chris Buck who created Frozen. The college enrolls 1,719 students focused on visual storytelling and design. Alumni consistently land jobs at major animation studios and entertainment companies.

What are the career outcomes for Ringling College of Art and Design graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $43,325 ten years after graduation, with an 88.4% employment rate. The college maintains a 70.80% six-year graduation rate despite the demanding creative curriculum. Alumni often work at strong studios like Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks Animation.

Where is Ringling College of Art and Design located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Sarasota, Florida, a cultural center known for its arts scene and year-round sunshine. With housing capacity for 1,280 students and an 84.34% retention rate, most students stay engaged with campus life. The small city setting provides internship opportunities at local galleries and design firms.

Is Ringling College of Art and Design diverse in terms of student demographics?

Women make up 74.17% of the student body, reflecting the gender distribution common in art schools. The college draws 69.21% of students from out-of-state, creating a national student community. White students represent 44.27% of enrollment, with Hispanic students at 15.07% and Asian students at 9.48%.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.